Method and apparatus for shielding the interior walls of an explosion containment chamber

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus to protect the interior surfaces of an explosion suppression and containment chamber. The present invention uses a plurality of modular armor tile plates fixedly attached to the interior surfaces of the chamber. The present invention also uses a shield armor plate to protect all interior exhaust orifices from potential shrapnel damage.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is related to my application Ser. No. 09/457,976, filed Dec. 9, 1999, now issued U.S. Pat. No. ______, which is a continuation-in-part of my application Ser. No. 09/191,045, filed on Nov. 12, 1998, now issued U.S. Pat. No. 6,173,662. patent application Ser. No. 09/191,045 is also a continuation-in-part of my application Ser. No. 08/823,223 filed Mar. 24, 1997, now issued U.S. Pat. No. 5,884,569. The latter application is a continuation-in-part of my parent application Ser. No. 08/578,200, filed Dec. 29, 1995, now issued U.S. Pat. No. 5,613,453 which has since been reissued with Re. 36,91 2 on Oct. 17, 2000. This patent application is also related to my co-pending application Ser. No. ______, filed . This patent application is commonly assigned as the patents and applications stated above and incorporates herein all of the same by reference.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to a method and apparatus for containing, controlling and suppressing the detonation of explosives, particularly for the disposal of unwanted shrapnel-containing explosive munitions. More particularly, this invention relates the ability to protect the interior surfaces of an apparatus used for containing, controlling, and suppressing the detonation of explosives, which is continuously subjected to high impact pressures and instantaneous temperature variations, thus drastically increasing the usability and decreasing the over-all maintenance requirements of such an apparatus.

[0003] Explosives have many useful industrial applications including surface hardening of austenitic manganese alloy steels, surface deposition coating, welding of metallic components, compression molding of components from powders and granular media, and disposal of unwanted explosive or toxic materials.

[0004] The prior art reflects many attempts to contain the explosion process for the suppression of noise, shock and noxious polluting explosion products.

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,419,862, to Hampel, ('862 patent) discloses a large explosion chamber in which an explosive work piece is introduced in through an air lock into a vacuum chamber where it is detonated, and after detonation the explosion products are allowed to escape into the atmosphere. The chamber is mechanically secured by anchor rods to a foundation. However, a limitation of the '862 patent is that is releases the explosion by-products, such as gases and the like, into the immediate atmosphere. Not only does this present an environmental pollutions problem with the potential release of heavy metals and other toxins, but also presents an immediate danger to the near-by operating crew.

[0006] Gambarov, et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,100,783 discloses a cylindrical containment vessel, split along its diameter for separation, and openable for the insertion of large work pieces such as railway frogs, stone crusher wear parts and the like. After insertion of a work piece and explosive charge, the chamber is closed and locked and the explosive detonated by a built-in detonating device. The explosion combustion products are allowed to exhaust to the atmosphere through an air valve.

[0007] Deribas U.S. Pat. No. 4,085,883 and Minin U.S. Pat. No. 4,081,982 disclose spherical containment vessels with a bottom opening through which a work piece incorporating an explosive is introduced through an elevator means, and continuous feed wire electrodes are used to make contact with an electrically initiated detonator when the work piece is in place. The latter patent also discloses means for introducing an internal liquid spray after the explosion for the purpose of neutralizing toxic by-products of the explosion.

[0008] Smirnov, et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,079,612 discloses a roughly hemispherical containment vessel mounted on a concrete foundation with a shock-absorbing work table for supporting the work piece and explosive material, which are detonated through electric ignition wires leading through openings in the containment vessel to the outside.

[0009] A different approach is disclosed by Paton, et al. U.S. Pat. No. 3,910,084 in which multiple closed-end pipes are disposed radially around a central column in-which the explosion is initiated, with the shock waves dampened by internal baffles within the tubes. Access is gained to the chamber through a removable top cover plate.

[0010] Klein, et al. U.S. Pat. No. 3,611,766 discloses a vertical explosion chamber incorporating a cushioned work table for supporting the work piece and explosive charge, and an internal shock-mounted mechanical dampening means consisting of a steel grate for absorbing the explosive pressure waves. Klein U.S. Pat. No. 3,464,249 discloses a similar containment vessel, in this case spherical, with a bottom covering of loose granular material such as sand which supports the work piece and explosive charge. The explosion products are discharged through a vertical pipe containing a noise silencer, and the entire assembly is supported by shock absorbing means in a reinforced brick or concrete pit for the further suppression of shock and noise.

[0011] All of the above prior art devices represent improvements over the methods first used for explosion containment and suppression which generally entailed placing the explosive device at the bottom of an open pit such as an abandoned gravel pit, and setting off the explosion in the open air with resultant noise, dust, disturbance and contamination of the environment. In addition, the uncontrolled use of explosives required great amounts of space, posed substantial danger to equipment and personnel, and had the undesirable effect of demolishing the ignition leads, the work piece support surface, and everything else within the immediate vicinity of the explosion. However, a limitation present in all of the prior art is the need to provide a structurally sound and durable inner wall surface which has the ability to absorb numerous explosion activities, such as instantaneous high pressure impact and temperature variations, without the added need for continual maintenance and inner wall replacement.

[0012] The present invention overcomes this limitation by, for example, providing a plurality of armored plates which are fixedly attached to the interior surfaces of the explosion chamber. The armored plates have the ability to withstand and absorb numerous chamber explosions while requiring minimal maintenance. Furthermore, upon the eventuality that a portion of the armored inner surface becomes damaged, the armored tile plates support modular replacement thus negating the need for complete wall replacement or repair, which decreases cost and minimizes maintenance time.

[0013] The present invention overcomes the disadvantages and/or shortcomings of known prior explosion suppression and containment chamber protection systems and provides significant improvements upon them.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0014] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved protection system for the interior surfaces of an explosion containment and suppression chamber.

[0015] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an explosion chamber interior protection system which decreases the amount of normal maintenance required on an explosion containment and suppression apparatus, thus decreasing total cost of ownership and maintenance down-time.

[0016] It is still another object of the present invention to provide a modular tiled armor plating system to the interior walls of an explosion suppression and containment chamber device which allows the replacement of only the damaged sections of the interior surface without requiring rebuilding or replacing the entire wall.

[0017] The present invention comprises the application of individual modular armored tile plates, of approximately square configuration, to the interior surfaces of an explosion containment and suppression chamber, such as those described and disclosed in my U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,173,662, 5,884,569, and Re. 36,912. By utilizing a modular armored tile plate system, the present invention not only adequately protects the interior surfaces of the explosion containment and suppression chamber more efficiently, but it also provides the ability to quickly replace only damaged sections, if such replacement is required. As such, the interior surfaces do not require continuous maintenance and eventual replacement. Furthermore, the present invention also utilizes armored protective shields to substantially cover the existing exhaust orifices of the explosion chamber, further protecting the exhaust orifices from shrapnel and explosion pressure and temperature damage.

[0018] The present invention preferably locates the seams of the adjoining modular armor tile plates above the wall support beams. Referring to my U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,173,662, 5,884,569, and Re. 36,912, the support beams are preferably “I-beams” spaced at approximately two feet center-to-center. However, the present invention can be utilized with any type of wall support configuration. Furthermore, the present invention armored plate seams can function without the seams located above any type of support system.

[0019] The present invention further preferably fixedly attaches the individual modular armor tile plates to the interior surfaces with a conventional angled fillet weld. The preferred application of an angled fillet weld reduces interior sharp corners, thus dissipating explosive forces in a more efficient manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0020] The preferred embodiment is herein described in detail with references to the drawings, where appropriate, wherein:

[0021]FIG. 1 is a simplified elevation view depicting the preferred embodiment's armored tile plate layout on an interior wall of an explosion suppression and containment chamber;

[0022]FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view depicting the preferred method of fixedly attaching the present invention's modular armor tile plates with a fillet weld to the interior skin of the explosion suppression and containment chamber; and

[0023]FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the preferred embodiment's exhaust orifice shield plate protection system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The preferred embodiment of the present invention is best described as a method and apparatus to shield the interior surfaces of an explosion suppression and containment chamber device. The present invention utilizes a system of preferably individual modular armor plates fixedly attached to the interior surface of the inner walls within an explosion suppression and containment chamber. Alternately, the present invention”s modular armor tile plates can be attached to the ceilings, floors, doors, or any other interior surface of an explosion suppression and containment chamber.

[0025] The present invention has the ability to efficiently and effectively protect the inner surface walls which are continuously subjected to high impact pressures and instantaneous variations in temperature attributable to conventional explosions. By utilizing the present invention, an operator of an explosion suppression and containment chamber does not require repetitive, and ultimately costly, maintenance of the interior surfaces of the explosion chamber. Furthermore, since the present invention is preferably installed utilizing modular pieces of armor tile plating which are adjacently interconnected, if a single armored tile plate becomes damaged, that one plate can be replaced without effecting the remainder of the inner surfaces.

[0026] Referring to FIG. 1, the preferred embodiment of the present invention utilizes a plurality of armored tile plates 1 interconnected together creating plate seams 2. Preferably, the armored tile plates 1 are spaced apart approximately 1 inch. As can be seen in FIG. 1, a conventional roofing system 3, wall system 4, and flooring system 5 can be utilized. The armored tile plates 1 are preferably square. Alternately, the armored tile plates 1 can be any type of geometric configuration.

[0027] The preferred embodiment of the present invention uses armored tile plates made of a material meeting specifications of AR-500 armored materials. Furthermore, the preferred embodiment uses armored tile plates 1 of approximately {fraction (1/2)} inch to 1 inch thick. Alternately, any appropriate thickness can be utilized, wherein the thickness is ultimately dependent on variables such as the interior size of the chamber, the amount of explosives used and the structural stability of the existing chamber wall system. Preferably, the armored tile plates 1 are approximately 11 inches to 12 inches square, once again depending on the chamber variable discussed above.

[0028] Referring to FIG. 2, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, armored tile plates 1 are fixedly attached the to the interior surface 7 of the explosion suppression and containment chamber with a suitable attaching means. The seams 2 of the armored tile plates 1 are preferably located above the wall support system 8. Alternately, the seams 2 can be located anywhere on the wall surface. The armored tile plates 1 are thereby assembled into an array in which they present an exposed wear-absorbing face to the interior of the explosion chamber. The preferred attaching means is conventional fillet welds 6 created at an inclined angle to facilitate explosive pressure dissipation, which securely fasten the armored tile plates 1 to the interior surface 7. Alternatively, other methods of attachment may be utilized, such as adhesives, threaded fasteners, rivets, and the like. Still alternately, to facilitate quick and easy replacement of the armored tile plates 1, a method and apparatus of tile attachment as disclosed in my co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, filed can be used.

[0029] Within the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the armored tile plates 1 are pre-cut prior to placement on the interior surface 7 to maintain the exhaust orifice 9 and any other required openings. Alternately, the armored wall plates 1 can be attached to the interior surface 7 and then drilled or cut to incorporate an orifice access location.

[0030] Referring to FIG. 3, the present invention further includes a protective means for the exhaust orifices located within the explosion suppression and containment chamber. The preferred embodiment uses a shield design 1 0, in a modified “U” shaped configuration which substantially covers any exhaust orifice 9. The protective means is preferably made of the same material as the armored tile plates 1 discussed above. However, alternate geometric configurations of the shield design can be effectively utilized. The shield design 10 is fixedly attached to the armored tile plate 1 with an attaching means, preferably using conventional fillet welds 11. Alternately, other methods of attachment means can be utilized, such as threaded fasteners, rivets, or adhesives. The fillet welds 11 are preferably appropriately angled in order to facilitate explosive impact pressure dissipation encountered during the explosion.

[0031] While preferred and alternate embodiments have been described herein, it is to be understood that these descriptions are only illustrative and are thus exemplifications of the present invention and shall not be construed as limiting. It is to be expected that others will contemplate differences, which, while different from the foregoing description, do not depart from the true spirit and scope of the present invention herein described and claimed. 

1. An interior surface protection apparatus for an explosion suppression and containment chamber, said chamber having a plurality of walls, a ceiling, a floor, at least one exhaust orifice, and at least one access door, each of said walls having an interior surface, said ceiling having an interior surface, said floor having an interior surface, said access door having an interior surface, and each of said walls being supported by a wall support system, said apparatus comprising; a plurality of armored tile plates, each of said armored tile plates being fixedly attached to said interior surface of said walls with an attaching means thereby creating a seam between the adjoining armored tile plate, and creating an exposed wear-absorbing face array of said armored tile plates.
 2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a plurality of armored tile plates fixedly attached to said interior surface of said ceiling.
 3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 further comprising at least one armored tile plate fixedly attached to said interior surface of said access door.
 4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a plurality of armored tile plates fixedly attached to said interior surface of said floor.
 5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said armored tile plates are constructed of a material meeting AR-500 armor material specifications.
 6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said seam is located directly above said wall support system.
 7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said attaching means is a conventional fillet weld placed along the periphery of each said armored tile plates.
 8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 7 wherein said conventional fillet weld is created with an inclined angle.
 9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a means of protecting said exhaust orifice.
 10. The apparatus as claimed in claim 9 wherein said means of protecting said exhaust orifice comprises a shield plate.
 11. The apparatus as claimed in claim 10 wherein said shield plate is constructed of the same material as said armored tile plates.
 12. The apparatus as claimed in claim 10 wherein said shield plate is shaped in a “U” configuration.
 13. The apparatus as claimed in claim 9 wherein said means of protecting said exhaust orifice is fixedly attached to said exposed wear-absorbing face array of said armored plates with an attaching means whereby substantially covering said exhaust orifice.
 14. The apparatus as claimed in claim 13 wherein said attaching means is a conventional fillet weld placed along the intersection of said means of protecting said exhaust orifice and said armored tile plates.
 15. The apparatus as claimed in claim 14 wherein said conventional fillet weld is created with an inclined angle.
 16. A method of protecting the interior surface of an explosion suppression and containment chamber, said chamber having a plurality of walls, a ceiling, a floor, at least one exhaust orifice, and at least one access door, each of said walls having an interior surface, said ceiling having an interior surface, said floor having an interior surface, said access door having an interior surface, and each of said walls being supported by a wall support system, said method comprising the step of; attaching a plurality of armored tile plates to said interior surface of said walls with an attaching means whereby creating a seam along the adjoining armored tile plate and creating an exposed wear-absorbing face array of said armored tile plates.
 17. The method as claimed in claim 16 further comprising the step of attaching a plurality of armored tile plates to said interior surface of said ceiling.
 18. The method as claimed in claim 16 further comprising the step of attaching at least one armored tile plate to said interior surface of said door.
 19. The method as claimed in claim 16 further comprising the step of attaching a plurality of armored tile plates to said interior surface of said floor.
 20. The method as claimed in claim 16 wherein said armored tile plates are constructed of a material meeting AR-500 armor material specifications.
 21. The method as claimed in claim 16 wherein said seam is located directly above said wall support system.
 22. The method as claimed in claim 16 wherein said attaching means is a conventional fillet weld placed along the periphery of each of said armored tile plates.
 23. The method as claimed in claim 22 wherein said conventional fillet weld is created with an inclined angle.
 24. The method as claimed in claim 16 further comprising the step of attaching a means of protecting said exhaust orifice.
 25. The method as claimed in claim 24 wherein said means of protecting said exhaust orifice comprises a shield plate.
 26. The method as claimed in claim 25 wherein said shield plate is constructed of the same material as said armored tile plates.
 27. The method as claimed in claim 25 wherein said shield plate is shaped in a “U” configuration.
 28. The method as claimed in claim 24 further comprising the step of fixedly attaching said means of protecting said exhaust orifice to said exposed wear-absorbing face array of said armored plates with an attaching means whereby substantially covering said exhaust orifice.
 29. The method as claimed in claim 28 wherein said attaching means is a conventional fillet weld placed along the intersection of said means of protecting said exhaust orifice and said armored tile plates.
 30. The method as claimed in claim 29 wherein said conventional fillet weld is created with an inclined angle. 